VERNON — The Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday unanimously approved a new regulation allowing retail recreational cannabis shops as long as they’re at least 3,000 feet away from schools.
Specifically, any future cannabis establishment would require a special permit and must be at least 3,000 feet from the front door of schools, spanning all directions, essentially creating a 3,000-foot radius around each of the town’s seven public schools buildings.
The amended zoning regulation limits the hours of operation for cannabis establishments from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday; bans consumption of marijuana on the premises or any town owned property; and can be located in commercial, historic, residential, and downtown districts.
The meeting opened with a presentation from Town Planner George McGregor, who illustrated various radii the PZC was considering, from 1,000 to 5,000 feet.
The original proposal prohibiting cannabis retail sales within a 500-foot circle of local schools wasn’t considered.
A public hearing that was a continuation of the Nov. 4 PZC meeting followed the presentation.
Five people spoke, including School Superintendent Joseph Macary, who continued to advocate for greater distance, citing children’s safety as they walk to school each day.
Mayor Dan Champagne, a Republican who also serves as state senator for the 35th District and is a retired 22-year veteran of the Vernon police department, told the PZC that because cannabis is now being commercialized, it does not mean it’s not dangerous.
“The number one job of a politician is public safety, and once we give up that job, anybody can govern,” he said.
William Hartley, a South Windsor resident and majority owner of a cannabis store in Easthampton, Massachusetts, detailed various benefits of having cannabis establishments in town, which he said include jobs, tax revenue, and increased property values.
David Kemp, a former school board member for 32 years, disagreed, however, telling the PZC he couldn’t see any economic benefit from allowing cannabis shops in town. He added that, if allowed, they should be as far away from schools as possible.
After the public hearing closed, the PZC debated if the distance from schools should be 1,500 feet, 2,000 feet, or 3,000 feet until commission members eventually said they felt comfortable with 3,000 feet.
After the meeting adjourned, Macary said he’s happy with the final decision.
“As superintendent of schools I’ve got an obligation to act and do what is in the best interest of students,” Macary said. “I was very happy with the commission. They listened, they heard me, they made appropriate changes and I’m happy with their decision.”
In August, the Vernon Town Council voted unanimously to prohibit consumption of marijuana on public property, a policy that officials said was sparked by complaints of people smoking it at the July in the Sky event in downtown Rockville and at Henry Park.